Sire V7 gen 2 review

[jonnybass 27]

A couple of weeks ago I ordered myself a sire v7 five string. The idea being that I needed a backup bass when I didn’t feel comfy taking out my ACG recurve 5. I currently work with two bands, a covers band, doing most styles (but allot of disco and soul) and an originals band (5 piece zappaesque proggy stuff). 
 

this week I had rehearsals with both bands so took the sire along to give it a run. Wow what a bass..feels comfy, although after 2.5 hours wearing it with no break, it’s heavier than my ACG. The main thing was the sound, the preamp is very flexible but totally musical, clear across the range, varying the sound between soul deep thump and articulate modern zing was no problem.  Love the rolled fingerboard, the neck shape is chunkier than I prefer but I’ll get used to that.
 

the down side? The tuners...not the easiest to tune, but stable enough. They are Heavy so on a five they bring the neck down a little. I also don’t like where the passive tone knob is, too easy to turn down the volume accidentally. Overall what a bass, comfy, it’s going to need minimal mods to make it absolutely killer for me, and I haven’t even restrung it yet and set it up for my preferences. If you are thinking about a sire and weight isn’t an issue for you, I’d say go for it. 

[haimesy 84]

I picked up the same bass on eBay recently ,  and for the price it’s fantastic .

I have had quite a few high end basses in my time , but as  for the sound it’s 

 as good as anything I've owned .Already on the lookout for a 4 string version as well ...John 

 

Edited August 23, 2020 by haimesy

[haimesy 84]

Put chrome knobs on mine ,I had off a J.East pre knocking around ..much better than the original ones.

 

[therealting 882]

On 21/08/2020 at 08:05, jonnybass said:

Wow what a bass..feels comfy, although after 2.5 hours wearing it with no break, it’s heavier than my ACG.

Was it not heavier than the ACG before the rehearsal? Was it finger dirt in the string windings and sweat everywhere that lent it the extra gravitas?

🙃

Edited August 23, 2020 by therealting

[jonnybass 27]

The sheer weight of expectation I think 😊

[jonnybass 27]

6 hours ago, haimesy said:

Put chrome knobs on mine ,I had off a J.East pre knocking around ..much better than the original ones.

 

Good shout haimesy

[haimesy 84]

This arrived today ... thought I’d give the Sire shortscale a shot .. 

Edited September 7, 2020 by haimesy

[haimesy 84]

[uk_lefty 1,222]

If they did that design in full scale I'd be tempted. It looks great but I just don't see the short scale attraction I'm afraid. 

[haimesy 84]

It’s my first ever shortscale and I’ve been playing 30odd years .. just curious .. will see how I like it .. it sounds great for a passive .. first impressions are good 

[Grassie 124]

On 23/08/2020 at 13:08, haimesy said:

I picked up the same bass on eBay recently ,  and for the price it’s fantastic .

I have had quite a few high end basses in my time , but as  for the sound it’s 

 as good as anything I've owned .Already on the lookout for a 4 string version as well ...John 

 

What is the B string like on that? I've never understood why some manufacturers make 5er's with only 20 frets, and not a minimum of 22 frets...

[haimesy 84]

B string is great .. I’ve had a couple of 35”

and there’s no difference to my ear , except  35 is too long for me .. J

[jonnybass 27]

This is the my fourth five string bass, every bit as nice a b string as the two music man V’s I have owned. Only my ACG feels better for my fingers.

[3below 342]

On 07/09/2020 at 20:32, uk_lefty said:

If they did that design in full scale I'd be tempted. It looks great but I just don't see the short scale attraction I'm afraid. 

 Horses for courses, if I did not need another bass like I need a <insert> phrase of choice </insert> I would be very temped